When Seniors Leave Hospital, Falls Are Big Reason They Return

A study published in JAMA Network Open found preventing falls among seniors who have just left the hospital is vital to keeping them safe, reports WHTC. "Hospitals spend a lot of time thinking about fall risk while the senior is in the hospital, but there's much less attention to the senior after leaving the hospital," said Geoffrey Hoffman at the University of Michigan School of Nursing. Analysis of more than 8.3 million subjects, 65 and older, who were hospitalized in 2013 and 2014, determined roughly 14 percent were rehospitalized within 30 days of leaving. About 5 percent were rehospitalized due to fall-related injuries. Hoffman suggested the prevalence of post-hospital-stay falls signals a gap in the quality of care provided before and after persons leave the hospital. Medicare penalizes hospitals due to falls among care recipients, and staff often seeks to cut such risks by discouraging seniors from getting up and moving around without assistance. The researchers warned such measures could elevate the risk of falls after leaving the hospital.